The Queen’s Bargain, by Anne Bishop

This latest instalment of the dark fantasy Black Jewels series sees Warlord Prince Daemon Sadi and assassin Surreal SaDiablo struggling in their marriage. This has dire implications for Sadi’s mental health and consequently for the health of the worlds he rules. Meanwhile Eyrian Jillian is on the cusp of womanhood but doesn’t have a wide choice of partners to help her test her wings. Sadi’s Eyrian brother Lucivar must somehow wrangle his powerful and complicated family as they work out how to be true to themselves. The brothers find they must look into both good and bad influences from the past in order to secure their future. Power has a price, but so does love, especially for those who wear jewels. Bishop’s sure hand enables her to introduce interesting new characters and further develop those already well-known and loved in this richly created world. There are always new aspects of the world to discover, with its complex society and politics, which makes it such a joy to revisit. The end of this story, while satisfying in itself, leaves a sense that there may well be more to come. This can only be a good thing, so yes please.